Beyond the Brain: Exploring Autoimmune Dysregulation in Autism

CA-START San Diego | Community Education & Training (CET)

Tuesday, November 24, 2026

Register here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/eyzVaR0Bw1?origin=lprLink

3:00-4:30 PM Pacific Time

Hybrid | San Diego, CA & via Zoom | No Cost | 1.5 CE HOURS available

What happens when medical conditions, immune-system functioning, neurodevelopment, and mental health intersect?

The relationship between the immune system, brain development, and autism is an evolving area of clinical interest. For autistic individuals, co-occurring medical concerns can introduce additional complexities in understanding physical symptoms, behavior, emotional well-being, and everyday functioning.

Join CA-START San Diego for an interdisciplinary Community Education Training (CET) exploring immune-system involvement in autism spectrum disorder and the potential intersections among immune signaling, neurodevelopment, physical health, and psychological functioning.

Wajdi Akef Fakhoury, LMFT, Clinical Director, will address the psychological and biopsychosocial dimensions of navigating co-occurring medical and neurodevelopmental conditions. Discussion will consider the psychological impact of chronic pain, fatigue, diagnostic uncertainty, and medical complexity, as well as how sensory processing and communication differences may influence symptom reporting, clinical assessment, and interdisciplinary care. Dr. Ingrid Dombrower, MD, Medical Director and Psychiatrist, will explore the medical and biological dimensions of immune-system functioning, including its role in typical brain development and how immune signaling may influence neurodevelopment and behavior. Topics under consideration include the gut–brain–immune axis, microbiome, intestinal permeability, and conditions involving allergies, asthma, autoimmune disorders, gastrointestinal symptoms, and sleep disturbances.

Using a de-identified START consultation case, the training will highlight the importance of considering medical, psychological, developmental, and environmental factors without prematurely attributing an individual's symptoms or changes in behavior to a single explanation.

Participants will engage in an interactive Mentimeter brainstorming activity, considering recommended community resources.

The training will emphasize thoughtful clinical inquiry, collaborative assessment, and person-centered approaches to supporting individuals with co-occurring needs.

Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:

1. Describe the role of the immune system in typical brain development and discuss how immune signaling may relate to neurodevelopment and behavior.
2. Identify medical and physiological considerations discussed in relation to autism, including immune and inflammatory processes, the gut–brain–immune axis, and co-occurring physical health conditions.
3. Discuss potential psychological and behavioral impacts of chronic pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and uncertainty surrounding complex medical conditions.
4. Examine how sensory and communication differences may influence the recognition, reporting, and assessment of physical and psychological symptoms in autistic individuals.
5. Identify interdisciplinary assessment questions and collaborative support considerations for autistic individuals with co-occurring medical and mental health needs.

• Wajdi Akef Fakhoury, LMFT #148333

Clinical Director | CA-START San Diego

Wajdi Fakhoury is a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Clinical Director of CA-START San Diego. His work focuses on supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and co-occurring mental health needs.

• Ingrid Dombrower, MD

Medical Director | CA-START San Diego & Psychiatrist.

This training is intended for mental health clinicians, START professionals, psychologists, psychiatrists, developmental-disability professionals, Regional Center service coordinators, case managers, educators, medical professionals, and other providers supporting autistic individuals and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The training is interdisciplinary and emphasizes the intersection of medical, developmental, and mental health considerations.

Date: Tuesday, November 24, 2026

Time: 3-4:30pm Pacific Time

Format: HYBRID — IN PERSON AND VIA ZOOM

In-Person Location:

Exodus Recovery San Diego CA-START

3870 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 150

San Diego, CA 92123

Cost: No cost

Continuing Education: 1.5 CE HOURS BASED ON 90 ELIGIBLE INSTRUCTIONAL MINUTES]

Planned instructional components include:

• Immune-system functioning, typical brain development, and neurodevelopment
• The gut–brain–immune axis and co-occurring physical health considerations
• Psychological and biopsychosocial implications
• De-identified START case discussion and interdisciplinary assessment
• Interactive Mentimeter brainstorming and clinical application

Any administrative registration activities or non-instructional breaks will be excluded from CE instructional time.

Registration is required.

Please complete the official CA-START San Diego CET Registration Form:

Eventbrite is used to provide event information only. Official registration must be completed through Microsoft Forms. An Eventbrite RSVP does not substitute for the required registration process.

Zoom access details and/or in-person instructions will be provided by CA-START San Diego.

Continuing Education Provider:

Exodus Recovery San Diego CA-START

CAMFT Approved Provider #1033067

Exodus Recovery San Diego CA-START is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor continuing education for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs. Exodus Recovery San Diego CA-START maintains responsibility for this program/course and its content.

Course meets the qualifications for 1.5 hours of continuing education credit for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.

Participants requesting continuing education credit must:

1. Register through the official Microsoft Forms registration process.
2. Attend the complete CE-eligible instructional portion of the training.
3. Complete the required CE Evaluation and Certificate Request form following the presentation.
4. Provide the required information for certificate issuance and attendance verification.

No partial CE credit is planned.

Certificates of completion will be issued to eligible participants following verification of attendance and completion of applicable CE requirements.

CA-START San Diego is committed to supporting accessibility and participation.

Participants requesting disability-related accommodations should contact:

[email protected]

Please submit requests before the training so that available arrangements can be reviewed.

This training is offered at no cost; therefore, no refunds apply.

If you register but are unable to attend, please notify the Program Administrator at [email protected] at least 24 hours before the scheduled training.

Participants wishing to request information about the continuing education grievance procedure or submit a grievance may contact:

[email protected]

This course is intended for professional education and interdisciplinary learning. Case material will be de-identified and presented for educational discussion. The training does not provide individualized medical diagnoses, treatment recommendations, or Medic*tion guidance.

For questions about registration, CE eligibility, accessibility, or other administrative matters, please contact [email protected].

Exodus Recovery San Diego CA-START

CAMFT Approved Provider #1033067

Event venue & nearby stays

3870 Murphy Canyon Rd suite 150, 3870 Murphy Canyon Road, San Diego, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.

Get the app →

Discover more events by tag